Texans like to do things big -- and the brewers that call this state home are no exception (incidentally, they also play a part in making Texans increasingly big). The state has seen a steady stream of new breweries in recent years, but which of them reigns supreme?

That's far too big a question for just one individual to handle, so we put together a panel of beer lovers to pick the 10 best breweries in Texas. Each panelist (see below for bios and beer cred) submitted a ranked list of breweries from 1 to 10, with first place votes receiving 10 points, second place votes receiving 9, and so forth. Individual votes were kept anonymous to ensure the kind of brute honesty that often also accompanies drinking lots of beer.

10. Real Ale Brewing Company, 29ptsBlanco
The Hill Country brewers have been brewing since 1996, and they have definitely passed the test of time. While their primary lineup consists of fairly simple, classic styles, they've begun to show a bit more of an exploratory side in recent years, which happens to some folks as they get older.

9. Deep Ellum Brewing Co., 30ptsDallas
Their slogan is "Love Runs Deep", and this North Texas brewery is undeniably putting plenty of love into their beer. Don't worry -- they also include hops and all that other important stuff. With something bordering on disgust for common commercial beers, Deep Ellum strives to put out flavor-forward beers to please true brew diehards.

8. Southern Star Brewing Company, 32.5ptsConroe
When Southern Star first hit the market, their Bombshell Blonde represented a subtle and refreshing way for people to ease their way into craft beer -- but once their Buried Hatchet Stout hit the shelves, people really started to take note. And take beer.

7. No Label Brewing Co., 33ptsKaty
No Label started out on a small scale and has quickly found its beers in high demand. In the beginning, they found it hard to keep the bars stocked, but with an upgrade of their facilities -- which (hooray!) included adding a bottling line -- they have been able to expand in the Texas markets and experiment with new brews.

6. Revolver Brewing, 35ptsGrandbury
If you've spent any time in Texas during the Summer months, you know that the heat can literally cook an egg on the sidewalk. And possibly a ham steak. For days like that, you need something crisp and refreshing. Knowing this, Revolver Brewery is putting out full-flavored beers that you can still easily spend all afternoon drinking.

5. Freetail Brewing Co., 35.5ptsSan Antonio
Freetail has to be one of the hardest working brewpubs in Texas. With an extensive list of beers that reads like an encyclopedia, it can be really hard to pick favorites. Also to their credit, Owner Scott Metzger was one of the leading voices in getting the Texas beer laws changed last year. The beautiful thing about Freetail is that they are continually experimenting with beer recipes, so you never really know what to expect.

4. Karbach Brewing Co., 36ptsHouston
While Karbach has only been around for a few years, they have made a name for themselves as one of the fastest growing breweries in the state -- fast enough to be in the midst of a $15 million dollar expansion, because you all just keep drinking their beer too damn quickly, apparently. Their entire lineup is solid, which has earned them a loyal following.

3. Saint Arnold Brewing Company, 37ptsHouston
Texas’s oldest craft brewery keeps gaining strength every year and they are one of the only breweries that can bring your workday to a halt. That's because every time they release one of their specialties, like the Bishop’s Barrel or Divine Reserve, you can find lines of people on the hunt for the rarities. If lady luck isn’t on your side and you can’t score one of their special releases, then your taste buds are safe with their year-round brews.

2. Austin Beerworks, 38ptsAustin
This brewery is one for the hop heads. The Austin brewers are putting out hop-forward beers -- but not so much as to scare off the novice pale ale drinkers. Austin Beerworks are advocates for canning their beer to ensure freshness and full flavor, so keep that in mind when you're stocking up for the river.

1. Jester King Brewery, 47ptsAustin
This Hill Country brewery is the only farmhouse brewery in the state that allows natural yeast to ferment their beers. This process gives their beers sour notes, low carbonation, and bold flavors. A visit to this brewery in the Springtime looks like a postcard, with a wide-open field of wild flowers to appeal to the eyes while the beer arouses your mouth.